parshat Shlach Lecha

Discussion of the praise of Eretz Yisrael (also called Eretz Hemdah) is a worthwhile thing to do during the Shabbat of Parashat Shelach – to counteract the sin of the spies. Happiness about the rebuilding of the “Desired Land” atones for the crying on the night after the evil reports were given, which became set as the day for national mourning (Tisha B’Av).

The special relationship between Eretz Yisrael (eretz hemdah ­= the desired Land) and Am Yisrael, is at the heart of our parasha. The sin of the meraglim (the spies), who checked out the Land of Cana’an and “came to despise eretz hemdah” (Tehillim 106:24), has accompanied the nation throughout its history.